Six test Springboks and the uncapped WP Nel will start for the Barbarians against New Zealand this weekend. Two further Boks have been named on the bench.Bulls skipper Victor Matfield will lead the side from the second row, where he’ll partner former Durbanite Carlo de Fava, currently an Italian national representative. Nel will start at tighthead alongside Bismarck du Plessis of the Sharks. Another Italian completes the tight five, with Salvatore Perugini at loosehead. Schalk Burger is back at openside flank, with Australians Rocky Elsom (blindside) and George Smith (number 8) making up the balance of the loose trio.

Fourie du Preez, Jacque Fourie and Bryan Habana all start amongst the backs, with a pair of Australians at flyhalf (Matt Giteau) and fullback (Drew Mitchell). Welshman Jamie Roberts will be Fourie’s centre partner and the big number 12 should prove the perfect foil for the pacey South African. All Black Joe Rokocoko completes a star-studded lineup as he wears the number 14 shirt.

Sharks prop Beast Mtawarira and Bulls pivot Morne Steyn are on the bench, together with yet another SA-born Italian lock in Quintin Geldenhuys.

@robdylan (Comment 3) : Sounds about right Rob, I can’t find it anywhere on the SuperSport site. Quite odd.

Comment 5, posted at 03.12.09 10:59:49 by Bullitt

@robdylan (Comment 4) : ya ya, but its reaching ridiculous proportions, im sure these guys have enough money, this match should not have been played, it fills the coffers of the admin guys as well, i dont think this is wise

Comment 6, posted at 03.12.09 11:03:29 by war1

@war1 (Comment 6) : well, If I had to choose, I’d rather sacrifice the completely oversized Tri-Nations if it meant more room in the calendar for BaaBaas games and tour midweek games.

Comment 7, posted at 03.12.09 11:12:45 by robdylan

@robdylan (Comment 3) : maybe they decided we had enough of watching of tired boks

I used to enjoy roundball when there wasnt so much of it on TV, now its a serious case of overkill.
Having said that the best roundball action is normally around the silly season when they show the 100 best goals, worst bloopers, best saves etc.